MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Dr. Richard M. Hopper, professor with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been awarded the El Toro Award for Excellence in Food Animal Medicine at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Hopper, who teaches in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine and is an MSU Extension Service veterinarian, received the award during Auburn’s 107th veterinary annual conference.

Richard M. Hopper

“Dr. Hopper demonstrates a realistic approach to veterinary care, which our students recognize as very practical, and builds their confidence,” said Dr. Bill Epperson, head of the MSU Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine. “Under his direction and guidance, many students have chosen to go into theriogenology and food animal medicine. He is, of course, deserving of this award, and we are honored to have him at our college.”

Hopper entered private practice in Oneonta, Alabama, after earning a veterinary degree from Auburn in 1978. He later went to work with the MSU Extension Service and became a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists. He established the theriogenology service at MSU, which has grown to have a substantial multispecies case load and has maintained a successful resident training program.

Hopper has been active in the Society for Theriogenology and served as its president in 2012. He has made numerous presentations at scientific and lay meetings across the U.S. and continues to be a valuable resource to practitioners and students.

Hopper recently completed editing a textbook on bovine reproductive medicine and surgery, which includes an international list of contributing authors and promises to become one of the standard textbooks in the field of theriogenology.

The El Toro Award, established at Auburn in 1994, is presented annually through the generosity of Dr. James G. Floyd Jr. in memory of his father. The award recognizes a veterinarian who serves as a role model for veterinary students through contributions to food animal practice, organized veterinary medicine, high ideals and dedication to food animal production.

A major focus of the award is to provide the opportunity for the recipient to interact with veterinary students and increase interest in food animal veterinary medicine.

Selection criteria include outstanding service to food animal medicine, food animal production, organized veterinary medicine and food animal industries.

Contact: Karen Templeton, 662-325-1100